This Crockpot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is the definition of comfort in a bowl! With tender shredded chicken, smoky poblano peppers, hearty black beans, and sweet bursts of grilled corn, every bite is packed with Tex-Mex goodness. The creamy base, made by stirring in sour cream and cheddar at the end, creates a luscious texture that makes this dish irresistibly cozy. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a comforting weekend meal, this soup is incredibly easy to make in the slow cooker. Simply toss in the ingredients, let it simmer, and top with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for the ultimate finishing touch. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a must-try!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. chicken breast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (do not drain)
- ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1 poblano pepper, seeds removed, chopped
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen grilled corn (or regular corn kernels)
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Mix-ins:
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar (optional)
Toppings:
- Tortilla strips
- Crumbled cotija cheese
- Lime wedges
- Cilantro
- Sliced jalapeño
Directions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, onion, and poblano pepper.
- Sauté for 3-4 minutes or until softened.
- Transfer to the Crockpot along with the rest of the ingredients (except mix-ins and toppings).
- Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks, then return it to the Crockpot.
- Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar.
- Cook on low for an additional 30 minutes.
- Top with tortilla strips, cotija cheese, lime wedges, cilantro, and sliced jalapeño. Serve and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours 35 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why You’ll Love This Soup
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Crockpot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup, from its ease of preparation to its bold and hearty flavors. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
1. Set It and Forget It
The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it does all the work for you. Unlike stovetop recipes that require constant stirring and monitoring, this soup is as simple as combining the ingredients, setting the timer, and letting the magic happen. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can walk away and come back to a perfectly cooked meal.
2. Rich and Creamy Texture
Most tortilla soups have a broth-based consistency, but this version takes it up a notch by incorporating sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese, creating an irresistibly rich and velvety texture. The creamy base balances the spices beautifully, giving it a smooth and satisfying mouthfeel.
3. Bold and Authentic Tex-Mex Flavors
If you love Mexican food, this soup delivers all the familiar and beloved flavors. With ingredients like diced tomatoes and green chiles, cumin, chili powder, and paprika, every spoonful offers a comforting warmth with just the right amount of spice. The addition of black beans, poblano peppers, and corn enhances the depth of flavor, making it a well-rounded and exciting dish.
4. Customizable with Your Favorite Toppings
One of the best parts of Chicken Tortilla Soup is the toppings! You can customize it to your liking by adding crispy tortilla strips, cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick. The toppings not only add texture but also enhance the overall flavor profile.
5. A Nutrient-Packed, Balanced Meal
This soup is as nourishing as it is delicious. With lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich black beans, and nutrient-dense vegetables like peppers and corn, it provides a well-balanced meal in a single bowl. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber keeps you full and satisfied while also supporting a well-rounded diet.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
To ensure your soup turns out flavorful and delicious every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
✅ Use High-Quality Chicken Stock – The base of the soup greatly impacts the final taste. Opt for a rich, flavorful chicken stock or homemade broth to give the soup extra depth.
✅ Shred the Chicken for Maximum Tenderness – After slow-cooking, the chicken becomes incredibly tender. Use two forks to shred it before stirring it back into the soup for the best texture.
✅ Adjust the Spice Level to Your Preference – Love a spicier kick? Add extra cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños. Prefer a milder flavor? Reduce the chili powder and use mild diced green chiles.
✅ Don’t Skip the Toppings – While the soup is delicious on its own, the toppings take it to another level. Crispy tortilla strips add crunch, lime juice adds freshness, and cotija cheese adds a salty bite. Play around with different toppings to find your favorite combination.
✅ Make It Even Creamier – If you want an ultra-luxurious texture, stir in a bit of cream cheese along with the sour cream. This makes the soup extra indulgent and velvety.
✅ Use Rotisserie Chicken for a Quick Version – If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast. Just shred it and add it towards the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
While this soup is satisfying on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can turn it into a complete feast. Here are some delicious ways to serve Crockpot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup:
- With Warm Cornbread: A slice of buttery cornbread makes an excellent side, soaking up the creamy soup beautifully.
- Alongside a Fresh Salad: A crisp Mexican-inspired salad with romaine, avocado, cherry tomatoes, black beans, and a lime dressing pairs perfectly with this dish.
- With Grilled Quesadillas: A cheesy quesadilla on the side adds a delicious extra element to your meal.
- Topped with Fresh Guacamole and Salsa: Adding a dollop of guacamole or a spoonful of fresh pico de gallo enhances the soup’s freshness and flavor.
Storing and Reheating
This soup is perfect for meal prep because the flavors get even better as it sits! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. However, if you plan to freeze it, consider adding the sour cream and cheese after reheating, as dairy can sometimes separate when frozen.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until warmed through.
Conclusion:
Crockpot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and bold Tex-Mex flavors to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving it to guests, this soup is sure to be a hit.
The ease of slow cooking, combined with the rich, creamy broth and customizable toppings, makes it a standout recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. Plus, with its wholesome ingredients and well-balanced flavors, it’s a meal that satisfies both the taste buds and the body.
So, grab your slow cooker, toss in the ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of warm, comforting, and flavor-packed soup. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your new go-to favorite for the colder months!
